Jeanvier's injury reignites discussions over concussion protocols

Brentford: Julian Jeanvier's head injury reignites disucssions

A head injury which forced Julian Jeanvier to be substituted early into Brentford’s season finale with Preston North End again reignited discussions over how head injuries are treated in football.

The defender, who was left concussed following a collision with Jayden Stockley just seconds into the match, was seen to by medical staff during 12 minutes of stoppage in play.

Jeanvier would eventually be stretchered off the pitch before a fan in the stands was taken ill shortly before the break.

While both are reportedly said to be okay, with Jeanvier apparently visiting the home dressing room at half time, the incident has prompted some disucssions.

It comes soon after Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen was forced off the pitch in a Champions League tie with Ajax after he suffered a similar injury.

Spurs would let him back onto the pitch but it was evident the defender wouldn’t be able to continue and had to be replaced.

Brentford and Preston bosses Thomas Frank and Alex Neil were both asked their thoughts on concussion protocols following the match, a game in which the Bees ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in the end.

Asked for his views, Frank said: “I think we need to take everything into account in those situations, and it's all about the person behind the player.

“We can't take big risks in these situations, I think it's just getting them out and then sub a player.”

Asked whether the rules on how head injuries should be treated might need looking at following the two recent incidents, Neil said: “No, not necessarily. I think you've got to treat each one on its own merit.

“I thought the officials dealt with it very well.

“I think, to be honest, what probably affected me the most was it was a fan that went down behind us.

“They needed a stoppage to take him off and he didn't look in a good way so that was probably more concerning for me, because I think the player [Jeanvier], by what I've heard, will be okay.

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